Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt? Discover the Top 10 Reasons and Solutions

Introduction

Experiencing a burnt taste while vaping can be incredibly frustrating. This unpleasant sensation not only disrupts the enjoyment of your vape but may also signal an underlying issue with your device or technique. Understanding why your vape tastes burnt is crucial for maintaining a smooth and flavorful vaping experience.

Understanding the Burnt Taste in Vaping

A burnt taste in vaping is a common issue that can significantly impact your experience. This unpleasant sensation often stems from two primary factors: overheating coils and improper wicking.

Causes of Burnt Vape Taste

1. Overheating Coils

When coils become excessively hot, the e-liquid cannot keep up with the rapid evaporation rate. This results in the wick drying out quickly and burning, which produces a harsh, burnt flavor.

2. Improper Wicking

If the wick isn’t properly saturated with e-liquid, it will burn when heated by the coil. This improper wicking can occur due to various reasons, such as insufficient e-liquid levels or clogged wicks.

Importance of Understanding Root Causes

Grasping why your vape tastes burnt is crucial for effective troubleshooting. You can address and prevent these issues by identifying their root causes:

1. Prevention: By knowing what leads to a burnt taste, you can take proactive measures, such as maintaining adequate e-liquid levels and avoiding excessive wattage settings.
2. Maintenance: Regularly checking and replacing worn-out or faulty components helps maintain optimal performance and flavor quality.

Understanding these elements ensures you enjoy a smooth and flavorful vaping journey without the disruption of a burnt taste.

Top 10 Reasons Why Your Vape Tastes Burnt

1. Insufficient E-Liquid

A common reason why your vape tastes burnt is not having enough e-liquid in your tank or pod. When the liquid level is too low, the coil's wick doesn't get enough liquid to stay wet. As a result, when you take a puff, the wick heats up and burns instead of vaporizing the liquid, creating a nasty burnt flavor.

Signs that You're Running Low on E-Liquid:

• Less vapor production than usual
• Harsh or dry hits that feel unpleasant
• A burnt or charred taste when you inhale

Ways to Make Sure You Always Have Enough E-Liquid:

1. Check Your Liquid Level Regularly: Get into the habit of looking at how much e-liquid is left in your tank or pod. By keeping an eye on it, you can avoid getting dry hits unexpectedly.
2. Refill When It's Low: If you see that your e-liquid is running low, don't wait until it's completely empty before refilling. Most tanks have clear sections that allow you to see the liquid level easily.
3. Don't Let It Go Below the Minimum: Refill your tank before the e-liquid level reaches the minimum mark indicated on your device. This ensures that the wick always stays fully soaked.
4. Have a Portable E-Liquid Bottle: Especially if you're frequently out and about, carry a small bottle of e-liquid with you. This way, you can top up whenever necessary and avoid running out completely.
5. Look for Visual Clues: If your device doesn't have a transparent tank, pay attention to other signs like changes in wick color or less vapor being produced. These can indicate that it's time for a refill.
6. Keep Your Tank Clean: Regularly clean your tank to remove any gunk or residue that might make it hard to see the e-liquid level clearly.

By taking these steps, you can easily prevent the unpleasant burnt taste caused by not having enough e-liquid. Not only does this improve your vaping experience, but it also helps your coils last longer.

2. Chain Vaping and Overheating

Chain vaping, which involves taking multiple puffs in quick succession, can cause your device to get too hot. This excessive heat can lead to a burnt taste in your vape. When you chain vape, the coil doesn't have enough time to cool down or the wick to soak up more e-liquid between hits. As a result, you may experience dry hits and an unpleasant burnt flavor.

How to avoid these issues:

1. Take breaks between puffs: Allow your device to cool down and the wick to re-saturate.
2. Monitor device temperature: Some advanced devices provide temperature control settings that can help manage heat levels.
3. Practice mindful vaping: Be aware of how frequently you inhale and adjust your habits to prevent overheating.

Using these strategies can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing a burnt taste due to chain vaping.

3. How to Properly Prime Your Coil, Including for New Disposables

One common reason for experiencing a burnt taste when vaping is improper coil priming. If a coil is not adequately saturated with e-liquid before using it, the wick can dry out and burn too quickly.

Why Proper Priming is Important:

• Ensures that the wick is fully soaked with e-liquid.
• Prevents immediate burning of the coil, leading to a longer lifespan.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Prime Your Coil:

1. Drip E-Liquid: Apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton wick of the coil.
2. Assemble the Tank: Place the coil into the tank and fill it with e-liquid.
3. Let it Soak: Allow the filled tank to sit for 5-10 minutes, giving enough time for the wick to absorb the liquid thoroughly.
4. Take Primer Puffs: Without pressing the fire button, take several unpowered puffs to draw e-liquid into the coil.

To prevent any potential burnt taste caused by inadequate priming in new disposable vapes, gently shake them and let them rest if they appear dry initially.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you avoid that unpleasant burnt flavor and enjoy a smoother vaping experience.

4. High Wattage Settings and Coil Overheating

Vaping at excessively high wattage settings can cause your coils to reach extreme temperatures quickly, leading to a burnt vape taste. When the wattage is too high, the coil heats up more than it should, scorching the e-liquid and causing an unpleasant flavor.

Optimal Wattage Recommendations:

• Check Manufacturer Guidelines: Always refer to the recommended wattage range specified by the coil manufacturer. This range ensures the coil operates efficiently without overheating.
• Start Low and Adjust Gradually: Begin vaping at the lower end of the recommended range and gradually increase the wattage until you find a balance between flavor and vapor production.
• Monitor Your Device: If you notice a burnt taste, reduce the wattage immediately to prevent further damage to the coil.

Using appropriate wattage settings helps maintain coil longevity and ensures a smooth, flavorful vaping experience.

5. Worn-Out or Defective Coils

Knowing when to replace your coils is important to avoid a burnt vape taste. Coils wear out over time, affecting the flavor and performance of your vape. Here are some signs that indicate it's time for a coil change:

• Diminished Flavor: If your e-liquid doesn't taste as good as before or has a burnt taste, it's probably because of the coil.
• Reduced Vapor Production: If you're getting less vapor than usual, it could be due to a worn-out coil.
• Gurgling Sounds: Strange noises when you take a puff might mean that the coil isn't working properly.

Make it a habit to check your coils regularly and replace them every 1-2 weeks, depending on how often you vape. This will help prevent burnt hits. And don't forget to have spare coils with you so you can continue enjoying your vape without any interruptions.

6. Incompatibility Between E-Liquid Composition and Coils

Some e-liquid ingredients, especially those with high VG (vegetable glycerin) content, may not work well with certain coils. High VG liquids are thicker and might not soak properly in coils designed for thinner, higher PG (propylene glycol) liquids. This mismatch can result in inadequate saturation and a burnt vape taste.

Choosing Compatible E-Liquids

• Check the PG/VG Ratio: Opt for a balanced PG/VG ratio if you experience wicking issues.
• Coil Specifications: Ensure your e-liquid matches the coil's recommended viscosity.
• Trial and Error: Experiment with different e-liquids to find the best fit for your device.

Understanding these factors can help you avoid a burnt flavor and maintain an enjoyable vaping experience.

7. Addressing Clogged Wicks

A clogged wick can significantly impact the performance of your vape device, leading to poor liquid flow and a burnt vape taste. Residue build-up from certain e-liquid ingredients, such as sweeteners or colorants, is often the culprit behind clogged wicks.

Preventing Wick Clogs:

• Choose High-Quality E-Liquids: Opt for e-liquids with fewer additives and sweeteners to reduce the risk of residue build-up.
• Regular Cleaning: Periodically disassemble your vape tank and clean it thoroughly with warm water. This helps prevent residue from accumulating on the wick.
• Proper Storage: Store your vape device in an upright position to minimize the risk of leaks and potential clogging.

Clearing Wick Blockages:

1. Disassemble the Tank: Remove all components for easy access to the wick.
2. Rinse the Wick: Use warm water to rinse off any residue. You may also soak it in vodka or another high-proof alcohol for a deeper clean.
3. Dry Completely: Allow the wick to air dry fully before reassembling your device.

These steps help ensure a smooth and flavorful vaping experience by maintaining optimal wick saturation and preventing burnt hits.

8. How Cold Temperatures Affect E-Liquid Viscosity and Wick Saturation

Cold temperatures can significantly change the thickness of e-liquids, making them thicker and harder for wicks to absorb. This increased thickness makes it difficult for the e-liquid to flow properly to the coil, which can result in dry hits and a burnt taste.

Tips to prevent this issue:

1. Store your vape device and e-liquids in a warm environment: Keeping them at room temperature ensures optimal liquid flow.
2. Warm the e-liquid before use: Gently rolling the e-liquid bottle between your hands can help reduce its thickness.
3. Choose appropriate PG/VG ratios: E-liquids with higher PG (propylene glycol) content are less affected by cold temperatures.

By following these tips, you can maintain consistent wick saturation and avoid burnt flavors caused by low temperatures.

Understanding how the environment affects vaping is essential for enjoying a smooth and flavorful experience, no matter the weather conditions.

9. Effects of Dirty Atomizers on Flavor Quality

Residue buildup in the atomizer can significantly impact flavor purity, often resulting in a burnt vape taste. Over time, e-liquids leave behind residues such as sweeteners, colorants, and other additives that accumulate on the coil and wick. This buildup restricts proper e-liquid flow and heat distribution, causing uneven heating and burning.

Maintaining a clean vaping setup is essential to prevent these issues:

• Regular Cleaning: Disassemble your vape tank periodically to clean each component thoroughly. Rinse with warm water or use specialized cleaning solutions designed for vaping devices.
• Visual Inspection: Check for visible residue or discoloration on the atomizer and coil. Replace any parts showing significant wear or buildup.
• Proper Drying: Ensure all components are completely dry before reassembling to avoid moisture-related problems.

By keeping your atomizer clean, you can avoid burnt tastes and enjoy a more flavorful vaping experience.

10. Improve Your Vaping Technique to Avoid Burnt Hits

Having the right way to inhale is important in preventing dry, burnt sensations. By adjusting how you vape, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a burnt vape taste.

Tips for cultivating good vaping habits:

1. Take Slow and Steady Puffs: Instead of taking quick and frequent hits, try to take slow and steady puffs. This allows the coil to remain adequately saturated with e-liquid.
2. Give Your Device Breaks: It's also important to give your device some time to cool down between puffs. This helps prevent excessive heat buildup that can lead to a burnt flavor.
3. Handle Your Device Properly: Make sure you hold your device upright while using it. This promotes even e-liquid distribution and prevents dry hits.

Practicing these techniques can contribute greatly to a smoother and more flavorful vaping experience, enhancing overall satisfaction.

Solutions to Fix a Burnt Taste in Your Vape

To effectively fix burnt vape taste, start by ensuring your e-liquid levels are adequate. Regularly check and refill your tank to prevent dry hits.

1. Check and Refill Your E-Liquid Levels Regularly

• Ensure your e-liquid levels are adequate.
• Regularly check and refill your tank to prevent dry hits.

2. Avoid Chain Vaping

• Chain vaping can cause excessive heat buildup.
• Allow your device time to cool between puffs, reducing the risk of burnt flavors.

3. Prime Your Coils Correctly

• When using new coils, always prime them correctly.
• Let them soak in e-liquid before use to avoid premature burning.
• Follow a step-by-step priming guide for best results.

4. Stick to Recommended Wattage Range

• High wattage settings can cause coils to overheat.
• Stick to the recommended wattage range for your specific coil to maintain optimal performance.

5. Replace Worn-Out or Defective Coils

• Replace worn-out or defective coils regularly.
• Be attentive to signs of degradation and diminished flavor quality.

6. Choose Compatible E-Liquids

• Choose e-liquids compatible with your device's specifications, especially considering VG content.
• High VG liquids may not work well with all coils, leading to wicking issues and burning.

7. Maintain a Clean Vaping Setup

• Address clogged wicks by maintaining a clean vaping setup.
• Ingredients like sweeteners or colorants can cause buildup.
• Regular cleaning helps ensure proper liquid flow.

8. Store Vape Devices in Suitable Environments

• Cold temperatures can affect e-liquid viscosity.
• Store your vape devices in environments that prevent e-liquids from thickening, ensuring consistent wick saturation.

9. Practice Proper Vaping Technique

• Proper vaping technique is crucial.
• Take slower puffs and avoid rapid hits to prevent overheating the coil and wick, cultivating good habits for a smooth experience.

By adopting these best practices, you'll significantly enhance your vaping journey, minimizing instances of burnt tastes and enjoying more flavorful sessions.

Conclusion

To enjoy vaping to the fullest, it's important to pay attention to the details and be aware of potential health issues that can arise from burnt vapor. By following these guidelines, you can enhance your vaping experience:

• Regular maintenance: Clean or replace coils and atomizers frequently.
• Proper technique: Avoid chain vaping and use recommended wattage settings.
• E-liquid compatibility: Choose e-liquids that suit your device.

We value your input! Feel free to share your personal experiences and tips for dealing with burnt tastes in vapes in the comments below. Let's create a supportive and knowledgeable community together.

Ebrahim Talebi

Expert Vape Product Reviewer

I've been writing as a hobby since 2000, alongside all the busy work, and I've always loved sharing my experiences. I was a smoker before 2012 and switched to vaping after buying my first vape that year. Vaping has been a lifesaver for me over the years. Although I'm sure it's not entirely safe for health, I believe we'll see more innovative and less risky products as the industry progresses. My goal is to provide clear and honest information about reviewing vape products and brands.

Vaping Experience: 12 years   Expertise in:Vaping industry   Favorite products:Disposable Vapes, Salt Nicotines.